As we head into the colder months, it’s essential to know the dangers lurking outside. From dangerous animals to harsh weather conditions, plenty of things can harm us. And if you think a healthy diet and regular exercise protect your health, think again. One in eight people in the United States suffers from chronic illness, which will only increase as the world gets warmer. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven deadly diseases on the rise and how to start protecting yourself from them. From cancer to dementia, read on to learn everything you need about these debilitating illnesses. BBC News
Heart Disease
According to the World Health Organization, heart disease kills more people than any other cause of death. These are five of the deadliest diseases that are on the rise.
- Heart disease is the number one killer in the world, responsible for killing more people than any other cause of death. Heart disease is when the heart does not pump blood effectively enough, leading to death from cardiac arrest or other complications. The risk factors for heart disease include smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.
- Cancer is also a major global killer, claiming 1.5 million lives yearly. The most common forms of cancer are lung, breast, and colon cancer, but there are many others. Cancer cells proliferate and can spread to other body parts if not detected and treated early on by doctors. Risk factors for cancer include smoking, being overweight or obese, and having genetic mutations that increase your likelihood of developing the disease.
- Stroke: A stroke is caused when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted due to an obstruction (such as a clot) or a problem with blood vessels (such as diabetes). If left untreated, a stroke can lead to severe disability or even death. Strokes can be caused by various physical and emotional factors – such as high blood pressure – so getting checked for these risks regularly is essential.
Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with around 1.1 million deaths in 2012. It is also one of the most preventable diseases. Here are five deadly cancers that are on the rise.
1) Lung cancer
Lung cancer is by far the most common type of cancer, and it’s now the fifth most common cause of death in men and women worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This is partly because tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but it’s also because more people are now living long lives and getting lung cancer as they age.
Lung cancer can be treated if it’s caught early enough, but it’s still a very deadly disease. If left untreated, 80% of people with lung cancer will die from their disease.
2) Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is another giant killer, accounting for about 25% of cancer deaths. The leading cause is lifestyle factors – such as a diet high in processed foods and drinks – but hereditary factors or Cancer genes can also cause it.
If you have colorectal cancer, there isn’t always an easy way to treat it – but overall survival rates are pretty high. About 60-80% of people who get treatment for colon cancer survive for at least five years after diagnosis. But 10-15% do die from their disease – so there’s still a lot
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a deadly condition affecting the brain, leading to memory loss, confusion, and dementia. The number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise, mainly because it’s now more common for people to get asymptomatic early in the disease process. Alzheimer’s disease is ranked the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatments can help prolong a person’s life.
Stroke
- Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for more than 540,000 deaths yearly.
- According to a study published in the journal Neurology, strokes have increased among people aged 55 to 74 since 1999.
- The stroke risk increases with age, and people with a history of stroke or heart disease are at greater risk for another.
- There are many causes of strokes, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes.
- If you are at risk for stroke, getting screened for the condition and treated if you have it is essential.
Diabetes
- Diabetes is on the rise in the United States. In 1980, there were about 7.5 million people with diabetes. By 2010, that number had increased to 25 million. This increase is mainly due to obesity and changing lifestyle habits, such as eating more processed foods and less physical activity.
- Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, amputations, blindness, and kidney failure. It is also the leading cause of death in adults aged 20 to 74.
- There are many types of diabetes, but type 1 is the most common and affects about 2% of all adults in the US. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. This often leads to extreme hunger and weight loss – known as diabetic ketoacidosis – and severe illness, including pneumonia, sepsis (a serious infection), and even death.
Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 diabetes and accounts for 95% of all cases of diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, you have a problem with your body’s ability to control blood sugar levels – either because you don’t produce enough insulin or your body doesn’t use insulin properly. The leading causes of type 2 diabetes are overweight or obesity (about 85%), family history (about 30%), genetics (about 10%), sedentary lifestyle (about 30%), and diet (about 15%).
Obesity
Obesity is on the rise worldwide, and with it comes several deadly diseases. Here are five that are on the rise due to being overweight or obese.
- Heart disease
Overweight people are more likely to develop heart disease than those who are not heavy, and obesity is a critical factor in this increased risk. Obesity increases the risk of heart attack by up to 30% and raises your risk of stroke by around 20%.
- Cancer
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing some types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and bowel cancer. The link between obesity and cancer has been recognized for many years, but researchers still don’t know precisely why this is the case. However, several potential explanations exist – including links between obesity and inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormones like estrogen.
- Diabetes
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes – usually caused by hormones like insulin resistance- and being overweight triggers changes in how your body processes sugar. If untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to severe complications such as blindness, kidney failure, and heart attacks. BBC News
- Infertility
Being overweight or obese has been linked with an increased chance of infertility in both men and women. This is because being overweight or obese stresses the reproductive organs – leading to problems such as policy.
Conclusion
A number of deadly diseases are on the rise, and it’s essential to be aware of them so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The most common conditions on the rise include obesity, heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Getting regular checkups and all the preventive health care you need to stay as healthy as possible is essential.
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